The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1887-02-03
Mr. W. W. Russell Explains.

7othc Editor Of Tic Aces and Courier:
Having been attacked recently by several
newspapers because Of my interest in the
farmers movement, desire to right N.Y.
self before the friends of the cause. The
Winnsboro' News warns the farmers of
Anderson County to beware, and the
Lnteligencer seconds the cry, asserting
that politics is at the bottom of this in.
terest from the fact that I am "too unani.
mously ready" to criticise the leaders of
the Democracy. Judging from my past
censure of measures mot men they have
pointed me out as possible spy in the
camp. Therefore, with your permission,
I will set forth my position as to the
farmers movement, and also politics,
for the information of these journals. l
published early in the spring OF 1886 my
opinions on the subject in the Greenville
Daily Ne,us, but it seems necessary to do
80 again.
My zeal for the farmers cause dates
back many years ago, when I was an
officer and an active worker in the State
Grange and the State Agricultural Society.
This is natural and proper, as all my
interests are now, as then, centred in the
farm. It was with the understanding
that it was not political movement that
I vas present at its organization and
subsequent meetings of both State and
county. So far as Anderson is concern.
ed, with Col. d. K. Norris at its head,
know it has no such significance. But
it means that the farmers are at length
learning the lessons taught them by the
editors, the lawyers, the doctors, the
bankers, the merchants, and so on
throughout the whole list-';in union
there is strength" They are awakening
to the danger Of inactivity, and are or.
ganizing their forces for reform within
themselves. Would that every farmer
were more of a politician in its true sense
mot an ofice.seeker-but a student of
the laws under which he lives, The
strength and resources of bis Govern.
ment, its financial aspect and condition,
thereby preparing him to become better
citizen and to cast his ballot more intel
ligently.
If this movement should declare itself
political organization, las / believe
these editors would like,) I should with.
draw at once, from the fact that, as my
political faith differs somewhat from that
of the majority, we would not be in ac.
cord.
hope yet to be able to prove who is
the better friend to the highest interest
of South Carolina in the end. I gave
freely four years of my life before attain.
ing my majority to her cause. In 1876 1
contributed as much, in proportion to
my means, as any man in the State, and
made as many speeches to free our people
from one OF the most infamous govern
ments which ever existed, and TO day 1
stand prepared to defend her, even with
my life's blood if necessary. Not all my
traducers can say the same of their past
and future.
In conclusion, dispute the claim Of g
few political wire. .pullers to throttle what
sympathy l have with my own people,
and hope still have the right to raise
|. my voice in South Carolina and advocate
80 just and noble cause as the farmers
efforts to free themselves from burdens
too great TO be borne longer in silence.
w. w. RUSSELL.